JP2009502674A - Container for liquid and projecting gas with valves - Google Patents

Abstract

A container is provided in which a valve is easily operable even if it must be pushed in for a significant amount of time.
[Solution]
The present invention comprises a valve (3) for firing liquid from a container with a propellant gas during operation of the valve, the valve comprising an operating element (6) connected to the valve, the valve further comprising an operating element in its rest position A container (1) configured to be opened when moved from a tilting element (7), wherein the tilting element (7) is tiltably connected to the container around a single tilting axis; Relates to a container (1) for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, mechanically connected to the operating element so as to move the operating element from its rest position during the tilting. The result of this feature is that the valve is easily operable by performing a tilt movement. Tilt movement is rotational movement that is more easily operated by a human than pressing a push button.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention comprises a valve for firing liquid from a container with a propellant gas during operation of the valve, the valve comprising an operating element connected to the valve, and the valve being opened when the operating element is moved from its rest position To a container for containing a liquid and a propellant gas.

  Such a container is generally known as a container for aerosol or the like. The valve is often of a type that can be operated by pressing. Containers are also known in which the valve is operable by an element that can be pushed in. This eliminates the clumsy search for a valve with a finger. That said, valves that can be operated in this way are not always easily operable.

  The object of the present invention is to provide such a container in which the valve can be easily operated even if it has to be pushed in for a considerable time.

  The purpose is that the tilting element is connected to the container so that it can tilt around a single tilting axis, and that the tilting element moves the moving element from its rest position during tilting of the tilting element. This is achieved in that it is mechanically connected.

  The result of this feature is that the valve is easily operable by performing a tilt movement. The tilt movement is a rotational movement that is more easily operated by a human than a linear movement of pressing a push button. Another reason for ease of use is that some of the tilt elements that are actuated will remain in place, thus creating a reference for the actuating finger, as caused by the tilt movement. It is preferred that the tilt element is affected by an increase in tilt of the tilt movement. For this reason, this action occurs so that the movement of the tilting element requires only a small force.

  The result of this feature is that the tilting element can be easily operated in any position where it is held. This allows easier movement of the tilting element, especially for both left and right handed people.

  Yet another embodiment provides the feature that the tilting element is connected to a structure secured to the container by two connecting bridges extending on the tilting axis. This feature makes it easier to construct not only when the tilting elements are made of plastic, but also when made of other materials such as aluminum or other metals, and in practice such structures It is easy to produce from one material by punching.

  This advantage is enhanced when the structure secured to the container is formed by a ring connected to the container.

  This makes it possible to produce not only the tilting element by punching the sheet, but also a ring in which the tilting element can move.

  This ring must be connected to the container. This connection is preferably carried out with the ring connected by a clamping connection that is not easily releasable. Furthermore, this not easily releasable connection makes it possible to provide good protection against the opening of the container by unintentionally operating the valve. It is understood that what is not easily releasable can only be releasable by a tool.

  The composition of the tilting elements connected thereto by means of rings and material bridges here may be made of plastic, for example by injection molding, but it is also possible to make the tilting elements by stamping from a metal sheet It is. A connection that is not easily releasable with the holder can then be made by a crease or other shaped locking connection.

  Yet another embodiment provides the feature that the ring comprises clamping means for releasably clamping the lid extending over the inclined element. This lid can have the function of blocking the operating tilt element simply by preventing the tilting element from moving. For this reason, it is important that when the lid is removed, it will be surely detected later. By fixing the lid clamp to the ring, the lid can be secured, but it may also provide, for example, a collapsible sticker so that the removal of the sticker can be recognized because the pieces cannot later be integrated. Proposed.

  The above-described method by which the tilt element is made includes that the tilt element is substantially flat. However, the tilting element has the function of operating the valve. Therefore, it is naturally possible to fold the inclined element portion. The preferred embodiment of the invention thus provides the feature that a coupling element connecting the tilting element to the working element is arranged between the tilting element and the working element. Here, the movement of the tilting element is transmitted to the connecting element and further to the operating element by the connecting element.

  In order to simplify the construction, it is attractive if the connecting element is secured to the inclined element.

  The liquid, gas or aerosol exiting the valve must be directed to the location where it will be used. It is preferred that the operating element comprises a channel configured to direct liquid exiting the valve, has a connected element, a cavity with which the operating element communicates, and further connects the connecting tube to the cavity of the coupling element. This configuration offers the possibility of combining the attractive configuration of the operating elements with a method of presenting fluid exiting the container in an appropriate manner.

  The above configuration requires that fluid be transported from a channel connecting to the valve to a cavity in the coupling element, the channel being movable relative to the coupling element. In order to avoid sealing problems caused by this mutual movement, a sealing element is provided between the working element and the coupling element to seal the connection between the channel extending into the working element and the cavity in the coupling element. It is preferable to stop.

  Because of the outward conduction of the fluid leaving the valve, it is attractive if the conduit extends into an opening provided in the tilting element.

  The following preferred embodiment provides the feature that the connecting tube is flexible. This allows the conduit to be moved to any position during use, but it is also possible to move the conduit to a less disturbing position during transport.

  The flexibility of the conduit can be obtained by making the conduit from a rigid material or making the configuration flexible, such as a drinking straw, but it is generally easier when the conduit is made from a flexible material. It is.

  Yet another preferred embodiment provides the feature that the conduit has an asymmetric cross section. This asymmetric cross section leads to a preferred flexible direction. This allows the conduit to be easily bent or bent in a suitable direction. It is preferred that the conduit has an outer cross section with a different shape than the circle and obtains an asymmetric cross section with a circular inner cross section. This not only provides an attractive appearance, but also provides a suitable flexible orientation. According to another preferred embodiment, an asymmetric cross-section is obtained, which combines a circular outer cross-section with a cross-section different from a circle, asymmetric, e.g. an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. This leads to a very attractive appearance.

  It is attractive if the conduit has an outer oval cross section. Such a conduit can be easily bent in a suitable direction. Also, the space between the elliptical leads can be stored very compactly.

  It is preferred that the connecting element comprises a spout that can tighten the conduit. This provides a simple way of providing a through channel between the cavity in the connecting element and the conduit.

  To provide a less disturbing location for the conduit, it is suitable if the spout extends in the direction of the working element and if there is a groove in the outer surface of the inclined element in which the conduit can be placed is there.

  It is preferred that the groove extends between the connecting bridges. In the present description, it is preferred that the groove be provided in the part where it is actually moved during operation, but where it is not moved as much as possible.

  In order to make the conduit flexible in the preferred direction, the conduit is placed over the spout so that the cross section of the conduit in the direction of the groove is greater than the direction perpendicular to the groove.

  To reduce costs as much as possible, it is attractive if at least one of the following parts: tilting elements, structures connected to containers, lids, coupling elements and conduits are made of plastic It is. Generally, the use of plastic leads to a reduction in cost price. However, it may be considered that a portion is made of a metal such as aluminum to obtain the required strength, durability or appearance.

  Yet another embodiment provides the feature that the valve is disposed within a portion of the container wall that is recessed relative to the container envelope. By arranging the valve in a recessed position, the space around the valve can be usefully used as the effective contents of the container. Thus, the available volume is better used, and such containers are better used for products such as beverages that are produced and transported in large quantities. Greater freedom is also gained by higher content utilization.

  According to another embodiment, the container comprises a wall part separated from the rest of the container by a closure line arranged in a plane and the wall part comprises a recess in which a valve is arranged. Although many of the above types of containers have a substantially cylindrical shape, the features of the present invention are applicable to containers of other shapes such as conical shapes or composite and complex shapes. The features described above also provide the advantages of the features of the present invention in the case of containers of these shapes.

  According to a more specific embodiment, the container has a substantially cylindrical shape and the valve is arranged in the end wall of the container. This embodiment relates to the embodiment considered here as the most promising embodiment.

  The above features provide a significant improvement over the prior art. The recessed area of the valve provides better protection of the valve and better use of the available volume. However, it is very likely that the valve further includes a portion extending from the envelope of the container, which will have an undesirable effect of the features of the present invention. These adverse effects can be limited if the valve extends only into the space between the plane and the wall.

  It is also possible for the end wall of the container to be stepped and the valve to be placed in the deepest part. The stepped depression in the end wall requires the same technique as making the end wall according to the prior art with a stepped rise. The only difference is in the reverse use of the end walls. It is also possible to produce the end wall of the container by high pressure molding. Known and attractive techniques are utilized herein without modification of the creation of the concave or stepped end wall in which the valve is to be placed.

  An important application area can also be found in the packaging of beverages such as soda. And it is attractive to have a container that has an appearance that does not differ significantly from the appearance of cans that are currently commonly used for packaging such beverages.

  Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

  As is evident from FIG. 1, the container according to the invention comprises a substantially cylindrical container 1 in a limiting sense, obtained for example by high pressure molding of aluminum. At its upper edge, the container is connected to the lid 2 via a fold or other connection, as known per se, for example in the form of a soda can. The lid or end wall 2 is provided with a bulging portion facing the inside of the container, and the valve 3 is arranged there. A supply pipe 4 is connected to the supply opening of the valve. The supply pipe 4 extends close to the opposite side of the container 1. In this way, the valve 3 is arranged in a lid that is a part of the container 1 or a recess in the end wall 2. Here, the valve 3 does not extend beyond the envelope of the container.

  The valve has a connecting element in the form of a protruding tube 6. The valve 3 is configured to open when the tube 6 moves from its rest position. The tube 6 connects to a conduit 7 that can be used as a drinking straw in the manner described further and when the container 1 is used as a beverage container. It should be understood that the beverage contains liquid pharmaceuticals in addition to normal food and drink and can be dispensed in a sanitary manner by the container according to the present invention.

  Further, the tube 6 can be operated by inclining the tilting element 8 positioned above the lid 2 and slightly above the plane of the fold between the lid 2 and the holder 1 in a manner as will be described later.

  FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the lid 2. This lid differs from the illustrated lid 2 shown in FIG. 1 in that the lid has a zigzag or stepped appearance. Further, it is apparent from this illustration that the valve 3 is arranged in a locked state in a deep passage provided in the lid 2. The valve 3 is provided with a spout 9 on the lower side, and a supply pipe 4 is fastened thereon. The valve is provided with a protruding tube 6 which functions as an operating element on the upper side. The tube 6 extends through an opening provided in the lid 2. This is the configuration of the valve 3 known per se, but the valve is closed in the neutral position of the tube 6 illustrated in FIG. When moving to an oblique position of the tube 6, the valve opens and the liquid present in the container under pressure exits through the tube 6.

  Figures 3 and 4 show further details. On the upper side of the container 1, the structure is provided in the form of a ring 10, preferably made of plastic, and the ring 10 is preferably locked onto a crease between the lid 2 and the container 1. Has been applied. This ring is connected to a substantially circular inclined element 12 via two material bridges 11 that extend into the ring 10 in a rest position. The tilting element comprises a groove 13 which extends substantially between the material bridges 11, which groove is further configured to take in a connecting tube 14 which will be described hereinafter.

  The connecting element 15 is firmly connected to the underside of the tilting element 12 in the form of locking, connecting, bonding or welding. The connecting element serves to transmit the movement of the tilting element 12 to the tube 6 which functions as the operating element of the valve 3. For this purpose, the connecting element 15 comprises a sleeve 16 that engages around the tube 6. A chamber 17 is formed in the sleeve 16 and the tube 6 extends therein. During the tilting of the tilting element from the rest position to the tilting position, a connecting element that is rigidly connected to the tilting element 12 follows this tilting movement. For this purpose, the connecting element 15 moves the tube 6 from the rest position with the aid of the sleeve 16, so that the valve 3 is opened.

  When the valve 3 is opened, the liquid present in the container exits via the tube 6 as a result of the actuation of the firing gas present in the container 1. Liquid enters chamber 17. A sealing ring 18 is provided inside the sleeve 16 to prevent liquid between the sleeve 16 and the tube 6 from leaving the chamber. However, it is also possible to provide such a sealing ring around the tube 6.

  The coupling element 15 further comprises a channel 19 connected to the chamber 17. This channel 19 leads to a spout 20 provided on the connecting element. This spout extends into an opening provided in the tilting element 12. One end of the connection pipe 14 is fastened and fixed around the ejection port 20. In this way, the liquid passage channel in the container is formed toward the conduit 14 via the supply pipe 4, the valve 3, the pipe 6 functioning as an operating element, the chamber 17, the channel 19, and the spout 20. . The conduit 14 is made of a flexible material. Thus, the tube is in the groove 13 and can remain in a tightened connection with the spout 20 but can extend into the extension of the spout 20. Since the conduit 14 has an oval outer cross section, the conduit 14 is preferably fixed in the direction of the groove 13. Due to the relatively small diameter of the oval outer cross section in the preferred bending direction, the conduit 14 can be compactly fastened in the groove 13 below the lid 23.

  On the inner side above the tilting element 12, the ring 10 is provided with a locking edge 22. A separate lid 23 in the form of a plastic sheet can be locked under the locking edge 22. Instead of plastic, the plate or sheet 23 can also be made of foil, metal, cardboard or composite laminate. If this lid 23 is present, tilting of the tilting element 12 and opening of the valve is avoided. In the present specification, the lid functions as a seal for the container 1. The second function of the lid 23 is to hold the conduit 14 in position in the groove 13.

  The locking edge 22 when applied removes the lid 23 easily and opens the operation of the container 1 or valve 3, but when removed, the lid 23 is also very difficult to re-lock. The shape is as follows. This prevents the opened container 1 from masquerading as an unused container that has not yet been opened. To improve this effect, a collapsible sticker or seal can be applied on the lid 23 and the ring 10 or on a portion of the container adjacent to the ring 10.

  The location of some of the above parts is not detailed. Here, it is assumed that the valve 3 is arranged at the center position in the lid 2. Since the channel must leave the chamber laterally, the spout 20 must be arranged away from the center of the lid 2. This has the advantage that the connection channel 14 in the non-actuated position has a straight position in the groove 13 because the connection of the conduction channel 14 is off-center.

  However, it is also possible to arrange the valve 3 off the center and to arrange the spout 20 for connection of the conduit 14 at a central position in the tilting element 12. It is also possible to arrange the spout 20 with the conduit 14 connected to the center of the tilting element 12 together with the valve 3.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a container according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing details of the container shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of another detail of the container illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 in which a part of the container is inclined to another position.

Claims (26)

  Comprising a valve for firing liquid from a container with a propellant gas during operation of the valve, the valve comprising an operating element connected to the valve, and the valve is moved from its rest position A container configured to be opened, wherein a tilting element is connected to the container in such a way that it can tilt around a single tilting axis, the tilting element connecting the operating element during tilting of the tilting element A container for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, characterized in that it is mechanically connected to the operating element for movement from its rest position.   The tilting element is tiltable in two directions from its rest position, and the connection between the tilting element and the operating element causes the operating element to tilt during tilting in either direction of the tilting element. 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is configured to move from its rest position.   The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclined element is connected to a structure fixed to the container by two connection bridges extending to the inclined axis.   The container according to claim 3, wherein the structure fixed to the container is a ring connected to the container.   5. A container according to claim 4, wherein the ring is connected to the holder by a clamping connection that is not easily releasable.   The container according to claim 4, wherein the ring includes a fastening unit that fastens and fixes a lid extending over the inclined element.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a connecting element for connecting the inclined element to the connecting element is disposed between the inclined element and the connecting element.   The container according to claim 7, wherein the connecting element is fixed to the inclined element.   The coupling element comprises a channel configured to guide the liquid exiting the valve, the coupling element comprising a cavity in communication with the coupling element, and a conduit connecting to the cavity of the coupling element; The container according to claim 7.   A sealing member for sealing an opening between the channel extending through the connecting element and the cavity in the connecting element is applied between the operating element and the connecting element. The container according to claim 9.   11. Container according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the conduit extends into an opening provided in the tilting element.   12. A container according to claim 11, wherein the conduit is flexible.   13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the conduit is made of a flexible material.   14. A container according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the conduit has an asymmetric cross section.   15. A container according to claim 14, wherein the conduit has an outer elliptical cross section.   16. A container according to claims 11-15, wherein the connecting element comprises a spout on which the conduit is clamped.   The container according to claim 16, wherein the ejection port extends in the direction of the operating element, and a groove in which the conduit can move is applied to an outer surface of the inclined element.   18. A container according to claim 17, wherein the groove extends between the connecting bridges.   18. A container according to claim 17, wherein the cross-section of the conduit in the direction of the groove is greater than the direction perpendicular to the groove.   The at least one of the following parts: the inclined element, the structure connected to the container, the lid, the connecting element, and the conduit is made of plastic. The container as described in any one of -19.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the valve is disposed in a part of a wall of the container that forms a recess with respect to the casing of the container.   23. The container according to claim 21, wherein the container comprises a wall separated from the rest of the container by a closed line disposed in a plane, and the wall comprises a recess in which the valve is disposed. Container.   23. A container according to claim 22, wherein the container has a substantially cylindrical shape and the valve is disposed within an end wall of the container.   24. A part of the valve disposed outside the wall portion extends only in a space between the plane and the wall portion. Container.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the container is configured to be filled with a liquid suitable for human consumption.   The container according to claim 25, wherein the container is filled with a liquid suitable for human consumption.

Images